32Job 32

The Speeches of Elihu

1Because Job was convinced of his own innocence, the three men gave up trying to answer him.Select Job 32:1

2But a bystander named Elihu could not control his anger any longer, because Job was justifying himself and blaming God. (Elihu was the son of Barakel, a descendant of Buz, and belonged to the clan of Ram.)Select Job 32:2

3He was also angry with Job's three friends. They could not find any way to answer Job, and this made it appear that God was in the wrong.Select Job 32:3

4Because Elihu was the youngest one there, he had waited until everyone finished speaking.Select Job 32:4

5When he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he was angrySelect Job 32:5

6and began to speak. I am young, and you are old, so I was afraid to tell you what I think.Select Job 32:6

Elihu

7I told myself that you ought to speak, that you older men should share your wisdom.Select Job 32:7

8But it is the spirit of Almighty God that comes to us and gives us wisdom.Select Job 32:8

9It is not growing old that makes us wise or helps us to know what is right.Select Job 32:9

10So now I want you to listen to me; let me tell you what I think.Select Job 32:10

11I listened patiently while you were speaking and waited while you searched for wise phrases.Select Job 32:11

12I paid close attention and heard you fail; you have not disproved what Job has said.Select Job 32:12

13How can you claim you have discovered wisdom? God must answer Job, for you have failed.Select Job 32:13

14Job was speaking to you, not to me, but I would never answer the way you did.Select Job 32:14

15Words have failed them, Job; they have no answer for you.Select Job 32:15

16Shall I go on waiting when they are silent? They stand there with nothing more to say.Select Job 32:16

17No, I will give my own answer now and tell you what I think.Select Job 32:17

18I can hardly wait to speak. I can't hold back the words.Select Job 32:18

19If I don't get a chance to speak, I will burst like a wineskin full of new wine.Select Job 32:19

20I can't stand it; I have to speak.Select Job 32:20

21I will not take sides in this debate; I am not going to flatter anyone.Select Job 32:21

22I don't know how to flatter, and God would quickly punish me if I did.Select Job 32:22